Domain Review Bayside & Port Phillip - August 02, 2023

ALEX PIKE

HER FAVOURITE MELBOURNE

TRAVEL

ESCAPE TO AN ISLAND PARADISE

WINE HALLIDAY’S TOP DROPS REVEALED

MARCIA HINES

QUEEN OF POP’S GOLDEN JUBILEE

Imagine doing something for half a century. You’d really have to love it to want to keep going. But that’s exactly what our cover star, the incomparable Marcia Hines, has done. Hines was crowned Australia’s Queen of Pop in the early 1970s, and in her 50-year career has starred in musicals, released countless albums and been a judge on Australian Idol – a role she is soon to reprise. We spoke to Hines about her enduring career. Also this week, we explore the Cook Islands, talk to some of the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion Award winners and ask cosmetic guru Alex Pike about her favourite Melbourne haunts. ●

IN FLAMES \ Two-hatted chef Ben Devlin of Sydney’s Pipit is coming to Rockpool Melbourne on August 8 for an evening of luxurious wood-fired fare in the city. ● rockpoolbarandgrill.com.au

MAKEOVER \ Melbourne businesswoman Alex Fevola has just opened a second Runway Room store in Armadale, for a hair and makeup experience like no other. ● runwayroom.com

THE EDIT

Things we love about Melbourne

Marcia Hines

Photographed by Riccardo Raiti

Go to domain.com.au/domain-review

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Editorial producer \ Hailey Coules

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LOVED UP \ A new Melbourne-made sustainable skincare line has hit the market this week. Darl’s mission is to foster “skinlove” through nourishment and protection. ● darlskincare.com

WINTER WARMER \ Until the end of this month, head to BKK – a Thai canteen at HER – for a lunch-only midweek menu of $15 noodles or an express banquet for $35 per person. ● her.melbourne/bkk

Compiled by HAILEY COULES

Discover the pristine world of the South Pacific on Rarotonga.

Words DONNA DEMAIO

Easing into island time on Rarotonga, an idyllic tropical getaway in the Cook Islands, takes no effort at all.

The largest and most visited island in the nation (there are 15 altogether), Rarotonga has a population of nearly 18,000, boasting sublime sunsets, welcoming locals and pristine beaches.

It’s been more than 30 years since an Aussie airline has flown direct to the remote island, so we hopped on a Jetstar flight to check it out.

Dining

Most of the restaurants and bars are either built on the sand or have spectacular beach views.

Waves crash in the distance as we try a super-fresh, spicy seafood curry at outdoor eatery Vaima Polynesian Bar and Restaurant.

The new Ukulele Bar, adjacent to the popular dining space Tamarind House, provides ideal vantage points for stunning lagoon sunsets, while the 18-plus Muri Beach Club is the spot to dig your toes into the sand and sip an enormous “fishbowl” cocktail.

At bustling Charlie’s, grass-skirted dancers and drummers entertain while we try local treats, including fish sandwiches and ika mata (marinated raw fish in coconut milk and lemon).

For some easy take-away, locals recommend Super Brown for a juicy, home-style burger or steak sandwich.

For brunch, try former art-galleryturned-cafe, Beluga, which has some of the most innovative dishes on the island, including feta, roasted eggplant and hummus on sourdough.

Paradise found

Shopping

A smattering of boutiques in the heart of town showcases a slew of black pearls, souvenirs and bathers.

At Punanga Nui Market (Saturdays only), the queue-worthy Kai Coffee pumps out chai latte, cold brew, mochaccino and a delectable creme brulee cheesecake.

Creamy coconut-laced banana or pumpkin poke disappear in moments, while stalls and car-boot stands are in a flurry, selling out of home-cooked curries and just-caught grilled fish – sometimes served within the first hour or so. There are also plenty of sarongs, jewellery, arts and crafts to admire.

Meantime, in a further quest for delicious morsels, the most flavoursome pork-belly buns are found at Muri Beach night market, where an assortment of food trucks dominate and a solitary T-shirt stand can be found.

Adventure

Eco-tourism is top of mind for the operators of Ariki Adventures, who twice a day take small groups out on sea scooters to swim with green sea turtles (face-to-face but no touching).

Ultra-pristine, postcard-ready beaches and the clearest of azure waters are found on the island of Aitutaki, a 40-minute flight from Rarotonga. The warm waters are teeming with marine life; a plethora of colourful tropical fish of all sizes flashes by while snorkelling just a few metres offshore.

There are day trips to Aitutaki, but you can also stay on the island.

Back on Rarotonga, the culturally infused Koka Lagoon Cruises conducts drum-accompanied

Other things to know

Most stores are closed on Sundays.

One main road – with no traffic lights and a 50km/h speed limit –  traces Rarotonga’s 32-kilometre circumference. Shoes are optional on land, while reef shoes are recommended in the water. There are no bus stops, so roadside hailing is necessary. Congregations and choirs welcome visitors at Sunday church services.

There are 16 varieties of bananas on Rarotonga. No camping is allowed. Free Wi-Fi is not readily found, so a travel SIM is a good option. Insect repellent is imperative.

● kokalagooncruises.com

● tamanubeach.com

● seachangevillas.com

● arikiexperience.com

● vaimarestaurant.com

● beluga-rarotonga .business.site

singalongs on board before a snorkelling experience that includes a fish-feeding frenzy and the sight of giant clams.

Then a visit to yet another litterfree beach for a coconut tree-climbing demonstration, with dancing, singing, a barbecue lunch and drinking from the husk of a just-cracked coconut.

Accommodation

It takes just one step to reach the sandy shore from the private decks of beachfront Sea Change Villas. That’s if you can drag yourself from a private plunge pool set among coconut trees. An expansive living space, top-shelf amenities and a tropical fruit platter come with the self-contained villas.

There’s also the family-friendly Edgewater Resort and Spa just a few kilometres from the airport, or the luxe, boutique digs of Nautilus Resort, set against a mesmerising mountain backdrop.

BEN TEINA

The writer travelled courtesy of Cook Islands Tourism and Jetstar Airlines

MY MELBOURNE

Food, fashion and fitness –this is cosmetic expert Alex Pike’s city.

Words JANE ROCCA

Alex Pike, one of Melbourne’s best-known cosmetic injectors, has launched a new Inside Out Beauty program aimed at inspiring women to improve their health and wellbeing. The career mum of three sons splits her time between Melbourne and Albury and her two clinics in those towns.

“In 2018, I went on my own self-improvement journey,” she says. “I was in a state of chronic overwhelm, and you could say I was burnt out.”

The former model decided to quit alcohol and start walking daily while embarking on a meditation journey.

“I started to share this journey on my social media, and women began to DM me and ask how I was ‘doing it all’, what I was eating, and how far was I walking,” Pike says.

Her eight-week program is all about self-love, self-control and creating daily rituals that work for you. She’s a big advocate for cold therapy, walking an hour a day (it doesn’t matter what the weather is doing) and drinking celery juice, while a ketofocused diet is also important.

“Ageing is something everyone faces in their lifetime; I welcome it and am proud to be more confident, self-assured and really wanting to share my experiences to help other women too,” Pike says. She shares her favourite things to do in Melbourne.

Fave restaurant

GILSON, SOUTH YARRA

My favourite casual Italian eating spot in Melbourne is Gilson. I was a student from country NSW boarding at MGG (Melbourne Girls Grammar in South Yarra) for my high school years, so I have very fond memories of “hanging out” on Domain Road after school and walking the Tan. I have known one of the owners for over 20 years, so I feel very at home there. I often have breakfast on the weekend after exercise with my best friend Michael Harris and either order the breakfast salad with smoked salmon or two poached eggs with a side of bacon and avocado. I adore the staff, atmosphere and some classic Italian comfort food. ● gilsonrestaurant.com.au

Alex Pike

Fave treat

YUM CHA

My close friends and family know how much I love yum cha. I have recently discovered Moonhouse in Carlisle Street, Balaclava, which has unlimited yum cha on Saturday and Sunday. It’s modern and I keep going back.

● moonhouse.com.au

Fave exercise spot

JUNGLE HQ, PRAHRAN

Jungle HQ in Prahran. Owned and operated by Jack Boon, Jungle HQ is a private and exclusive gym housing some of the best equipment I have ever used. I love going there because the membership is 50 per cent female and it is never overcrowded or overpopulated. No casual drop-ins are allowed. Jungle offers private coaching and I originally

started working with Jack as he is very experienced in working with women and their hormones through nutrition and movement.

● junglehq.com.au

Fave fashion store

SCANLAN THEODORE

My favourite retail shop is Scanlan Theodore. I shop mostly at the Chapel Street location. The designs are so chic and effortless and they have wool crepe garments in nearly every season that wash so well and can be timeless. I am pretty old fashioned and do not enjoy online shopping, as the fit is not always right so I much prefer a customerfacing experience. The staff at Scanlan go above and beyond to find the right looks and, in addition, the accessories selections – including eyewear, jewellery and shoes – make it a one-stop shop.

● scanlantheodore.com/au

JAMES GEER

A TIME to SHINE

After 50 stellar years in the music industry, Marcia Hines is back on the road for a concert tour.

Marcia Hines turned 70 in July, and is about to celebrate her 50thanniversary career milestone as a singer-songwriter –but she isn’t counting the years.

“I can’t do the numbers,” Hines says, taking the call at home while trying to hush a chorus of birds who have spotted her cat nearby.

“How did the 50th anniversary happen?” she asks. “To be honest, I don’t think about that stuff. I just get on with life, and that would be my advice to anybody. Just get on with it because life is truly a gift.

“I don’t really ever stop to pat myself on the back, but I am grateful I wake each day and get to do what I do and what I love.”

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Hines moved to Australia as a 16-year-old (and, unaware at the time, pregnant with her daughter Deni) when she was cast in the musical Hair in 1970.

“Getting the gig to come to Australia for Hair was amazing, but I didn’t even know where I was heading,” she says.

“I was lucky I found a really good support system in the cast of Hair. We were tight then and remain so to this day.”

Hines fell in love with the theatre scene in Australia and found herself working regularly as a result of Hair ’s success.

She became the first woman of colour cast as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar soon after, and still gets goosebumps thinking about it.

“It was very clever of Harry [Miller] to cast me as the first black woman to play Mary Magdalene,” Hines says. And then came a gig to tour with the Daly-Wilson Big Band in Australia, the US and the Soviet Union in the mid-1970s.

“I was still an American citizen playing in a communist country by way of being in Australia,” Hines says. “That time was certainly interesting.”

By 1976, she had been voted the Queen of Pop by the readers of TV Week for three years in a row.

Words JANE ROCCA

25 years ago I stopped singing it,” she explains.

“I didn’t like it anymore. I had baggage with it, and a tumultuous relationship with the person who wrote it and his record company, who I was signed to,” she says, referring to Australian musician and producer Robie Porter, who died in 2021.

“But now, it’s back and I think it’s the best song I have ever sung.”

Hines auditioned to be a judge on Australian Idol 20 years ago, and became one of the show’s most popular stars, co-hosting the show from 2003 to 2009. She will return to the hot seat in 2024, replacing judge Meghan Trainor.

“I remember when Australian Idol started because my mother was very sick at the time and I [visited] her in the nursing home and told her I had just landed a good job,” she says.

“Mum was happy for me. The late Brian Walsh from Foxtel told me about the American version of the

sketches to get her final approval on styles.

“I always ask my manager, does it come in black, black or black,” Hines laughs. “Nigel designed the costume I wear on the new album cover and I’ll wear that as part of my show.

“And I am in some pink – it’s a Barbie move, I know – but I wear pink proudly.”

Hines keeps healthy walking daily, warms her vocals an hour before a show and prefers early nights over late ones when she’s not working.

She’s a pescatarian, and thought about joining the gym until she was told that performing and dancing every night is akin to running a marathon.

Hines counts her close friends on a few hands and says that, as she’s matured, her inner circle has got tighter.

“In your teens, all you want is lots of friends,” she says. “By your 20s it’s still important, but by the time you

“That is really when I felt the country had truly adopted me,” Hines says. It would be almost 20 years later, in 1994, that she would become an Australian citizen.

Her just-released album, Still Shining: The 50th Anniversary Ultimate Collection , sees Hines deep-dive into her hits of yesteryear and record two new songs to mark the occasion.

Spanning five decades, she sings Fire & Rain , From the Inside, You and Hard to Breathe, among others.

There is one song Hines avoided singing for many years due to a dispute with the songwriter – Shining was removed from her repertoire in stage shows.

“I remember recording Shining –a lovely story and song – and then

show, and that it would be a good career move.

“That show went on to be a huge success, and nothing in my life stopped me in the street as much as Idol – from pilots to hotel cleaners, everybody knew it, wanted to talk about it.”

Hines was inducted to the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007, was appointed a member of the Order of Australia in 2009 and has made 22 albums.

She will join the cast of Grease when it rolls into town later this year, and is also preparing for an abundance of concerts.

For those, she’s working alongside two costume designers: Nigel Shaw, who made the costumes for Six the Musical , and Leonie Grace, who sends her fabric swatches and

hit the 30s it changes again, and in the 40s people really start to fall by the wayside. From your 50s and 60s you find there [are fewer] again.

“I have always remembered being told to choose your friends wisely because they become your family in the end, and that is very true for me.”

Hines credits her humility for her longevity in the music industry.

“I was brought up incredibly well and taught the rights and wrongs of life,” she says. “I was taught to treat everybody [well] and that has remained true to who I am.” ●

STILL SHINING – THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT TOUR

2023 \ Frankston Performing Arts Centre, November 6; Swan Hill Town Hall, November 10

● Photo RICCARDO RAITI

“I just get on with life, and that would be my advice to anybody. Just get on with it because life is truly a gift.”

DRINKS

Wines of distinction

Words JANE

From shortlisted top wineries in Australia to winemakers and viticulturists at the top of their game, the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2024 is a chance to acknowledge some of the industry’s biggest, brightest and emerging champions in the field.

All Saints Winery director Nick Brown says nothing felt like a greater pat on the back than discovering he was nominated for winery of the year. As a fourth-generation winemaker who runs

There’s competition aplenty at this year’s Halliday awards.

ROCCA

ALL SAINTS WINERY DIRECTOR NICK BROWN

All Saints Estate with his siblings Eliza and Angela, Brown says it was the advice his father Peter shared with him that still rings clear today.

“Slowly, slowly, catchy monkey,” Brown recalls. “It was torturous to hear when I was younger, but now it makes sense.”

But his biggest buzz is the thrill of seeing the wine improve each year in the famed Rutherglen wine region in north-east Victoria.

“It’s the joy of seeing the wines constantly improving through the many small tweaks in our vineyard and winery practices that makes the job worthwhile,” Brown says.

The Rutherglen region is traditionally known for its amazing fortified wines but Brown says their customers also now love their beautiful table wines such as marsanne and sangiovese/cabernet.

Also shortlisted for winery of the year are Giant Steps from the Yarra Valley, Oakridge Wines and Yalumba from Eden Valley in South Australia.

Mayer Wines’ winemaker Rivar Ferguson-Maye is also on the shortlist of nominations, with his pinot gris in the spotlight for its epic flavour profile.

“It’s a tremendous honour to be a finalist and always great to see your wines appreciated by others,” he says. “This will motivate me to continue to try to make delicious wines in the future.”

Ferguson-Maye is all about capturing the wholebunch wines that embody the essence of the vine.

Nominated for best new winery is Gaffy & Neal from the Mornington Peninsula. It is competing against Entropy and Fleet wines from Gippsland, and Gentle Folk from Adelaide Hills, among others.

Gaffy & Neal is a winemaking project of Darrin Gaffy and Douglas Neal who focus on the flavour and character of their wines. Known for their Mornington Peninsula chardonnay and Merricks North chardonnay, theirs is a labour of love and understanding of all that is artisanal.

In 2019, Darrin Gaffy’s Red Hill Winery Prinicipia won the Halliday Dark Horse Award

at the annual event. Gaffy admits that being acknowledged in the industry does wonders for the brand. What’s more, it puts it on the consumer’s radar beyond the industry itself.

“I think if you win a Halliday Award it definitely matters,” Gaffy says.

“All the press that came with winning the Dark Horse in 2019 was a huge deal for us. Seeing your brand splashed across the major papers like the AFR [Australian Financial Review] is something you do appreciate, and it’s a great honour to be spoken about beyond those who review us. To have someone take your story to the readers at large is a wonderful feeling.” ●

HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION AWARDS 2024 \ August 2, Stokehouse, St Kilda Halliday Wine Companion 2024 out August 3.

As Australia’s leading and award winning wardrobe company, our wardrobes can organise and enhance your life.

“It’s the joy of seeing the wines constantly improving ... that makes the job worthwhile.”

NICK BROWN

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

Paul Bangay gardens. A Japanese-inspired fishpond. A private tennis court. And that’s before we get to that golden mile location. This house is the ultimate in resort-style living, just metres from the Brighton foreshore.

The interior floor plan is built around a series of garden rooms, offering occupants outlooks onto greenery from several angles.

Enter through the pergola and custom timber door, and you’ll be greeted by the family-meals area. An electric log fire heater keeps things cosy in winter, and the white-stone kitchen has an island bench, Miele appliances and a butler’s pantry with a second dishwasher.

This area overlooks an al fresco entertaining zone, with an automated awning. Then there’s that tennis court, which also comes with an adjustable basketball ring. To the north of the house, a verandah leads to the pristine pool, kept private thanks to its position behind the garage.

Back inside, the downstairs home office has a built-in desk, and there’s also a formal sitting room – that could serve as a guest bedroom – that overlooks the pond.

The four bedrooms are upstairs. All have built-in wardrobes, one has an in-built desk, and three have en suites. The main bedroom overlooks the tennis court and has a walk-through wardrobe and an en suite with a freestanding bath.

You can admire those Paul Bangay gardens at night thanks to the “garden by night” lighting, and it’s all well-kept thanks to an automated garden irrigation system. The double garage has a three-phase electric car charger.

Security features include a nine-camera professional surveillance system with a monitor that links to a phone app and even a panic light switch in the main bedroom that activates downstairs and outdoor lighting.

The beach is a short walk away, as are the shops and public transport options of Bay and Martin Streets. Leading schools, including Star of the Sea, Firbank Grammar and Brighton Grammar are all nearby. ●

ANDERS FURZE

property@domain.com.au

Agent: Marshall White, Matthew Pillios 0408 145 982

Price: $8.5 million-$9.35 million

Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, August 8

Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Brighton

FINAL WORD

“ONE OF THE RAREST OPPORTUNITIES TO PURCHASE A CLOSE-TONEW HOME IN BRIGHTON ON 1250 SQUARE METRES, AND WITH YOUR OWN TENNIS COURT AND POOL. ENJOY THE DREAM LIFE.” MATTHEW PILLIOS –AGENT

BRIGHTON \ 8 HAMMOND STREET

Agent: Marshall White, Dahli Woosnam 0435 505 309

Price: $10 million-$11 million

Expressions of interest: Close noon, August 7

BRIGHTON \ 18 HANBY STREET

Agent: Marshall White, Matthew Pillios 0408 145 982

Price: $7.4 million-$7.8 million

Private sale

BRIGHTON \ 16 CAMPBELL STREET

Agent: Marshall White, Matthew Pillios 0408 145 982

Price: $4.7 million-$5 million

Auction: 12.30pm, August 19

HAMPTON \ 43 HOLYROOD STREET

3 3 2

Step up the garden path here for enticing family living. Sitting sweetly on a deep block, with a gigantic deck extending its comely curves into the lush backyard, this Californian bungalow brims with cross-century allure while affording a rare degree of indoor-outdoor interaction. Along with concertina doors uniting the open-plan hub with the deck, two of the three bedrooms connect with the outdoors. The lounge has a bay window to the entrance verandah, a timber-mantled fireplace and a cutaway to the dining room, which in turn flows through to the hub. All bedrooms adjoin bathrooms, and the laundry is family-fit. Features include fine fretwork, leadlight windows and ceiling fans. Proximity to respected schools, shops, and the beach underwrites the lasting appeal. ●

KAY KEIGHERY

Agent: Marshall White, Robin Parker 0409 336 282

Price: $2.7 million-$2.9 million

Auction: 10.30am, August 12

BRIGHTON \ 12 NORMANBY STREET

4 3 2

This gracious dame of a domicile has been made over to exacting standards, with period glory honoured, grand proportions celebrated and functionality maximised. The resultant good looks advocate the power of timeless beauty. Heralded by layered hedging, the facade is a study in intricate Victoriana. Set over one sprawling level, the interior stages linked sitting and lounge rooms, open-plan kitchen-dining-living, four beaut bedrooms and three fine bathrooms. French doors link the lounge and the open-plan area with the rear section of the wraparound verandah, it a perfect perch from which to observe the pool action. Bestowed with herringbone parquetry floors, teardrop chandeliers, marble mantels and quality appliances, you get historic gravitas abetted by life-enhancing modernity in a prestigious and convenient location.

● KAY KEIGHERY

Agent: Nick Johnstone, Nick Johnstone 0414 276 871

Price: $8.25 million-$8.75 million

Private sale

ELWOOD \ 37 ADDISON STREET

4 4 2

Elwood’s streetscapes showcase an engaging mishmash of period and contemporary architecture. Representing the latter, this pad by Adam Kane Architects is described by the agent as “private, elegant and fun”. A bedroom, bathroom, study and laundry begin the ground level. Next up, the long and luxe kitchen, dining and living area sports four glazed exits to the entertainment patio, pool terrace and northfacing lap pool. Segue on for the garage (with bathroom) and a spacious, second-level studio. Leading the charge on the first floor proper, the main bedroom boasts a walk-in wardrobe, double en suite and street-view balcony. Polished plaster walls and stone, oak and carpeted floors (some with sub-floor heating) suit the contemporary vibe. Stroll out to schools, buses and the beach. ●

KAY KEIGHERY

Agent: RT Edgar, Chelsie Cargill 0404 561 988

Price: $6 million-$6.6 million

Expressions of interest: Close 1pm, August 14

HAMPTON \ 66 MILLS STREET

4 2 2

Native landscaping lends environmental clout at this address, with gardens to the front and rear of the house rocking the trend proudly. Strategic glazing promotes enjoyment of the green scenery from within. Renovated and extended, the Californian bungalow flaunts plenty of positives for family living. There are several social areas, two of which give on to decks. In the front and original build, the main bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and a groovy en suite. Two minors cosy up in the rear extension, while the fourth is a teen magnet (or studio) due to its free-standing status. ’Twixt the old, the new and the free-standing, the terrific, two-phased deck is up for unbridled entertaining. Leadlights, timber floors and funky fixtures further the easy allure here. ● KAY

KEIGHERY

Agent: Belle Property Sandringham, Jenny Dwyer 0418 528 988

Price: $2.49 million-$2.59 million

Auction: 1pm, August 12

1-6/149 Nelson Road, South Melbourne

Entire Block of Six, in Prized Bayside Locale

Auction: Saturday 12th August, 11.30am

Inspect: As Advertised or by Private Appointment

FOCUS ON LOCAL

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